David

Carpenter

The 34-year-old hurler pitched well at Triple-A Nashville in 2019 with a scintillating 1.63 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 42/13 K/BB ratio across 38 2/3 innings before struggling in four outings with the Rangers. He’ll compete for a bullpen job in Cincinnati.

Carpenter was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Monday; the second time he’s been DFA’d by Texas since June. He’ll finish the year with the Sounds.

It’s the second time since June that he’s been designated for assignment. Carpenter accepted an outright assignment last time after clearing waivers and will probably do so again.

Carpner was pushed off the 40-man roster in June, but he’ll get another shot in Texas with Jesse Chavez being diagnosed with a right elbow impingement. Carpenter will presumably work in a low-leverage relief role.

Carpenter had been designated for assignment but has cleared waivers and will remain in the organization.

He had to go to make room for today’s starter Joe Palumbo. Carpenter appeared in one game since being promoted on May 31st. Prior to that he hadn’t appeared in the majors since 2015. He has played for the Astros, Blue Jays, Braves, Yankees, Nationals and Rangers in his career.

Carpenter, 33, posted a 1.76 ERA and 17/4 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings for Nashville to earn a promotion. It’s his first stint in the majors since 2015.

Carpenter, 33, split 2017 between the minors and independent ball and didn’t pitch anywhere in 2018. He has significant big league experience but hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2015.

The ‘Stros need a new stopper now that Mark Melancon is in Boston. Lyon would be the obvious favorite if his recovery from surgery to repair a detached right biceps tendon and a torn labrum goes well, but that’s no safe bet. Carpenter pitched relatively well down the stretch last season, while Sosa has been starting but is probably destined for the bullpen over the long haul. It’s possible hard-throwing Rule 5 pick Rhiner Cruz could eventually get into the mix, but he’s way too raw right now.

“Lyon has experience and a lot of the closer role really is about having experience in those pressure situations,’' Luhnow said. ''No matter what, whether it’s the ninth, eighth or seventh inning, he will play an important role because of his veteran presence.” Lyon, who is owed $5.5 million in 2012, posted an ugly 11.48 ERA in 15 games this past season before undergoing surgery in June to repair a detached right biceps tendon and a torn labrum. Wilton Lopez, David Carpenter, Henry Sosa and Rule 5 pick Rhiner Cruz are also possibilities for the ninth-inning gig.